I Love North Shields.
FEBRUARY 2025 COMMUNITY: North Shields 800 Launch MUSIC: SHE the SHOW FEATURED: The Legacy of Scarlet Women BUSINESS: Tyne House The Ultimate Party Pad
@Marcus Reed
ISSUE 10
Contributors
Hello North Shields
Founder/Editor-in-Chief Simone Harper ilovenorthshields @outlook.com Linkedin @simonebranson Front Cover Photo Pete
The Exchange
Big news—we’ve just hit over 10,000 followers across our social media since May 2024! Honestly, we couldn’t be more proud of what we’re achieving together. It’s incredible to see our little corner of the internet grow, and it’s all thanks to YOU and the amazing stories you're sharing. Your stories are what’s putting North Shields on the map and making our community feel more connected than ever! Our mission is simple: we want to give a platform to the incredible people, businesses, and creatives in our town. Whether it’s shining a light on a hidden gem, sharing someone’s personal story, or showcasing local talent, we’re here to connect, inspire, and build something special. Every month, our core team meets to plan the next big thing for the magazine. Behind every post, page, and story is a group of passionate writers who pour their heart and soul into every word. By sharing these stories, we’re not only celebrating our town, but we’re also helping everyone feel more connected to what’s happening in our community. Together, we’re building strong foundations, creating opportunities, and spreading the love for North Shields far and wide. If you’re on the lookout for talented local writers, photographers, illustrators, poets, or any other creatives, we’ve got an amazing group of people ready to collaborate. Don’t hesitate to get in touch —we’re all about connecting! We’re so proud of this issue, and we hope you love it as much as we do!
Simmie Harper X
Remembering Harold: A Life of Wisdom, Kindness, and Laughter We are saddened to learn of Harold’s passing, surrounded by his loving family. Harold’s remarkable life and wisdom were beautifully captured in two interviews written by his granddaughter, Mim Robson: In Conversation with a 101-Year-Old and In Conversation with a 102-Year-Old. It was truly an honor to meet Harold in person, and we extend our heartfelt gratitude to Mim for sharing his inspiring story with us.
Authors Alex Wright Bazoox aka Gene Scandall Caroline Oswald Carol Davison Diane Wailes Jake Rusby Mark Tavender Marianne Butler Mim Robson Olive Bishop Pauline Stewart Rachel Chapman Tatjana @thats.tat Suzanne Coulson Contributions Keith Bruce Illustrator Katie Stewart TikTok | Illustrator Jodhi Mae Rutherford @pinkpalava Photographers Coastal Captures @coastalcapturesne Lisa Young Photography Wayne Bordoli Photography Yevhen Slabun @yevphotography About Us I Love North Shields is an independent community driven publication, supported by the public, operating as a not-forprofit, community-interest company. Contact Facebook @ilovenorthshields TikTok @ilovenorthshields Twitter @iluvnorthshields Instagram @ilovenorthshields www.ilovenorthshields.com
Community
Gathering Stan Laurel
Demolition Tyne Brand
A gathering of Laurel and Hardy aficionados hosted by the local chapter, the Beau Chumps Tent, to celebrate the life of Stan Laurel, chat, share stories and take pictures on a special and poignant day. Sunday 23rd February will mark the 60th anniversary of the day Stan Laurel died, and to commemorate this a contingent of members of the Laurel and Hardy appreciation society – The Sons of the Desert – will be gathering at Stan’s statue in North Shields. Family lived in North Shields from 1895-1905. Special guest on the day will be Stan’s great nephew, Keith Woods from Blyth. No booking required! Just turn up on the day!
Demolition work has officially begun on the Tynen Brand site at the Fish Quay, North Shields, clearing the way for a new development of houses.
Spotted! Street Art By @rachaelmeyerweddingcelebrant on East Percy Street, just up the hill from Low Lights Tavern! Let us know if you've seen it too. #ilovenorthshields
Rumor has it... Rumor has it… the old bingo hall in North Shields might be turning into a dance studio and theatre! If true, this could be a game changer for our town’s creative scene, bringing performances, classes, and endless opportunities. We’re keeping an ear out —stay tuned...
Share your news ilovenorthshields@outlook.com
King Fisher Sighting
Have you spotted the kingfisher in Northumberland Park? Sightings of this vibrant little bird have been reported near the water, delighting visitors with its electric blue and orange feathers. Have you spotted one? Share your story—we’d love to hear about it!
Community
Fabulous Elves Spotted
Harbour House
Fabulous elves spotted at Cullercoats Bay! Braving the chilly waters, they’re making a splash to raise money for the Brain Tumour Charity. Incredible spirit for an amazing cause—cheers to these local heroes!
Exciting things are happening at Harbour House in North Shields! Set to open in 2025, this creative hub will be home to a whole range of businesses, from independent studios to a wedding venue, cocktail bar, and even a bakery. One of the businesses to set up there is Northern Rye Bakery, which is moving into the space, expanding its presence and serving up its delicious, handcrafted goods. Harbour House is really going to be a game-changer for the town, bringing together a community of creatives, entrepreneurs, and small businesses. It's all about collaboration and supporting one another. Keep an eye on their progress by visiting harbourhousecollective.co.uk
NS800 Launch Peace Drone Captures Drone shots of the new Riverside Embankment Walkway, beautifully captured by the talented Peace Drone! This addition to North Shields seamlessly connects the town centre to the Fish Quay with stepfree access, offering scenic routes and incredible views!
The launch of North Shields 800 on 31 January was a fantastic success! Held at The Exchange 1856, Local performers and speakers shared exciting plans for the year, and the event wrapped up with tea, coffee, and cake, bringing the community together for a great start to the 800th-anniversary celebrations.
Autism Support Group
New Micropub Proposal
A new support group for adults with autism has started in North Shields, hosted by Autism Better Together (ABT) at the Tynemouth Scout Hut on Norfolk Street. This group focuses on providing a welcoming environment for autistic adults. Facebook @BetterTogetherAutism
A new micropub, 'The Tipsy Pig,' is proposed for North Shields, offering community-focused space with locally sourced drinks. The proposal has been granted.
Louise Scott
NEW TO SHIELDS LOUISE SCOTT Text & Photography Jake Rusby Feeling ‘free’ while confined to a wheelchair might sound impossible. But thanks to a move to North Shields, Louise Scott – who lives with Multiple Sclerosis – has discovered it can be a reality. A progressive condition that can drastically affect motor skills, M.S has completely changed the way Louise lives day to day. But North Shields, where her speciallyadapted home overlooks the Tyne, has given her a new lease of life. Put simply, she says: ‘I feel like I’m me again. One hundred percent me’. As well as having a bungalow suited to her needs, the new wheelchair-friendly ramp leading down to the Fish Quay is situated just yards from her front door. What is almost more important than the physical freedom, is the mental freedom it has provided.
I am interviewing her in her kitchen, over a not-so-ordinary kitchen table. Overlooked by colourful wallpaper designed by her artist friend Rachel Macarthur, we chat with elbows resting on the same surface as a collection of beautifully-painted blocks of wood. This is because Louise’s kitchen has taken on a second life as her studio, with pots and pans sitting side-by-side with acrylic paints and moulding clay. The 44-year-old has found her creative spark again, pursuing her passion as an artist from the comfort of her own home. Originally from Stockton-Upon-Tees, Louise moved to the North East – Fenham – in 2000 when she undertook a course in Fine Art at Northumbria University. After university she worked in an art materials shop before she began studying teacher training as part of a PGCE. In 2010, she became one of the 7,000 people a year diagnosed with M.S in the UK. .
Community A single mum to son Robin, 11, she moved from Forest Hall to North Shields in June 2024 in a bid to find a suitable home: “My relationship ended and my M.S had progressed to the point that I was no longer on my feet, and I needed somewhere suited to my changing needs,” she says. “It seemed like North Shields was the only place in the North East somewhere like this existed! I was so excited when I came and had a look round and was told I was at the top of the list to get it; and looking back now it completely changed my life.
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“That night I went home and ordered the wallpaper as a celebration! I was forced into the move because of something negative, but it has ended up being the best thing I could have done.” She adds: “Because of my condition I’m not able to work, so I’m extremely grateful I kept going with producing artwork. It is pretty much the only thing I can do now and I can adapt it to suit my changing capabilities. “Rather than big canvases, which wouldn’t be practical for me, I like to produce work that’s made up of component parts that can be played around with, working at table I can access.
“Where I am I feel calm and happy, and that puts me in the best headspace to create art. “Art has stayed with me through everything, and I get so much out of it. I’d be lost without it.” Looking forward, Louise has been invited to contribute to more art exhibitions, and hopes success in her chosen field will soon come her way: “It’s like when you hear famous comedians talking about the years’ work they put in before becoming famous, I feel like it can be like that within the art world. “It takes a long time to hone your craft and make the right connections, but it’s one of the things I’m really excited about since I moved to North Shields. “It seems like there is such a great vibe about the place now, and I am excited to be part of it.” Instagram @louise_scottart